My Gay Coming Out Story 

Daniel, I am Andy and I don't know if you'll ever read this but I was raised suppressing all my feelings. The only things I felt in my alcoholic home were fear and pain until I started to sing. God blessed me with a wonderful voice and when I sang the fear and pain dropped away and I began to feel joy. Whenever I sang, and I made a career in the church with it, I felt joy. It was like an out of body experience. I wasn't self conscious about my looks of size. I developed an eating disorder to cover the pain of burying my feelings. When I sang I didn't worry about any of that. When my attractions to men began I was terrified so I buried those emotions also.

Such good storytelling, very genuine guy who gives others the benefit of the doubt and I can tell only sees the good in others.Sweet, humble, and genuine. Beautiful guy ,inside and out,,sweet smile and twinkle in your eyes.

I love how this video shows how music and being gay are too very important and intertwined aspects of your life. Beautiful!

Those last 12 seconds really melted my heart, just what I needed at 2 am :)

This is one of the sweetest, heartfelt and most logically presented coming out stories I've seen. Sorry this just came up and it's almost 3 years later. If you ever get this message, God's blessings on you. I loved the song in the background. If you get this message, was this your song, and what is the title? I hope things are still going well in your life now. Thank you Daniel.

You are amazing. That came from deep within. You will grow stronger over time and the outside voices will get lower until you can hardly hear them. You will find that special guy and it will change your life. You are wise in giving those that love you time. They need to accept you as you really are which they will once they understand it's not a choice. I wish you the best and thanks for sharing. Your story will help others and it's beautiful.

Wow, you're an amazing young man. I came out 38 years ago and it definitely is a journey. I am so happy for you and your family. They almost missed out on something great.

What a sweet guy.

Was going through my RU-vid faves and watched this again today. Crying. Your courage never fails to inspire me!

You actually have that Troy Bolton look. I'm not kidding. you have Zac Efron's smile and eye brows!

The last couple seconds...I felt like ur talking directly to me: You can do this!!!...I cried with tears...this is the most amazing coming out video so far,thanks for saying such beautiful words to encourage and inspire people!!!

I came out to my mom and my closest friend not too long ago. My mom recommended me to return to church and get counseling. My best friend hugged me and said she loved me, and that she'd be there for me for whatever I needed. I know that I won't be able to always gain acceptance from the people I share blood with, but I know that I do have people there for me. Your video has led me speechless. Thank you. So much.

watching this made me me feel better because I learned that life will always get better no matter what and always look on the positive side of things, even if you are different by the slightest way. I am gay and came out a couple months ago and hearing that people that started out as homophobic then became excepted of lgbt community really touched me. I get joked at school about being gay and no one even steps in to help and its sad because my friends were the people that were talking about and I felt terrible because I had to cut them off. I was so sad and depressed but this video helped me a little bit so thank you so much for posting this and keep up the good work.

This video made me a little teary eyed. You are brave and keep being the person you are. I came out 8yrs ago to my parents and again 3 yrs ago and they still don't believe or accept it.

That was so nice! It's people like you that present a positive image for the LGBT community, and I wish you the best of luck in the future with whatever you do! Btw, you should consider being a committed RU-vidr. I can definitely see you going far! :)

I have so much respect for you. I have a sister, brother in law, nephew, niece I haven't spoken to, or seen since 1989 when she finally realized I was Gay and in a relationship. She couldn't bring herself to deal with it. During that that time my brother in law passed away. My niece and nephew have married and have children of their own. The love of my life died in 2017 after nearly forty years of being together. This is the life I have had and I wouldn't change a minute. You do what you have to do.

You look good here Daniel! Kudos to journey and process towards your coming out story and the support and friends you gained and kept regardless especially on the part about your songwriting and what it means to you. Its a pretty harsh if you're from a very religious family indeed. Hopefully 5 years later time mends your relationship with family members and its all about patience and understanding and love.

As you learned, there is no such thing as praying away the gay: It just doesn't work that way. There is a good message for those who who are going through right now what you did then. I am putting this on my "Coming Out As Gay" RU-vid Playlist, and I hope that many out there will watch it. You did a very good job here by being so truthful about your own life.

THANK YOU Daniel for your courage & message of hope that carries on . You are an inspiration to me . God bless . Mark (Toronto) 💔🧡💛💚💙💜

Literally cried while watching this! You're such an amazing guy! Thank you for inspiring me with your words! Genuine, kind, sweet, and you have one of the most beautiful smile I've ever seen! Thank you again! 😊

After listening to your story I just wanted to give you a big hug. A friendly, accepting hug as an acknowledgment of the journey to acceptance we are all on - no matter gay or straight. Watched your other videos and what you’ve shared with us so far says you’re a good, kind, funny, thoughtful man and it feels good to see the kind of gay you are ( not derogatory).

Damn Danny, that was Incredibly Awesome. I watch a lot of coming out vids but this was the best by far. You will seriously do great in life and I cant wait to hear the song you wrote. Stay strong Bro and glad the family is behind you.

Hello Danny, Your video is tremendously warm and loving. I enjoyed your story very much. I have been out for many years but enjoy watching young people's videos of their coming out. It's so different from when I was a teenager, there was no way you could come out in HS or even college without fearing physical violence. But even though we have come a long ways as far as acceptance goes, it's still a major issue for kids as they realize they are gay and the fears are still serious about telling your family and friends. I pray the day will come when parents and society will prepare kids for their sexuality and discovering their orientation without all the fear. Anyway, you did a great job. I love the way you talk to the camera, you are warm and sensitive. You have a wonderful voice and beautiful eyes that work so well with your smile. I'd love to see your video and hear your song. Rest assured your video will help many other people who are contemplating coming out. Peace & Love, Michael

Wow.. I'm speechless! This may have been the most emotional coming out story, I have ever heard. You actually brought me to tears. I can't believe you had to deal with all that. My coming out story wasn't completely the most amazing, but my journey is horrible. It looks like you finally can be yourself, and that's a huge step forward.

You’re one of the first guys who actually I seemed to connect with on ur coming out story. I’m a Christian, and my family said the same things as ur mom, I had a lot of depression and just hating myself constantly, It’s so scary for me to open up to anyone.

Thank you for this video! Very genuine and inspiring :) Its videos like this that helped me throughout the coming out process. I actually came out at the end of 2013. The response and overall support was amazing from family and friends. I can relate in feeling alone and different when I was in high school and even grade school. But the coming out process has helped me grow as a person - and still continues today. You're an amazing individual for sharing your experience, thank you again :)

Very moving to watch and listen! Thanks for sharing!

this is the best video I have ever seen. thank you so much. I am going through something very very similar. I can't say thank you enough

It's so great to hear that your family's love for you conquered their fear of the word ''gay''

Oh my gosh. You are so courageous and amazing. This inspired me so much!

This is the best coming out video I've seen. I remember feeling so much of what you said about not sharing the same feelings your guy friends felt about girls at that age. The way you came out was so powerful and brave.

You are so articulate, charming, eloquent, and real. Music is the biggest thing in my long life and I'm glad you have it in your life. I hope there are more videos as you make your way through life. Do you follow Matt&Blue on RU-vid? They're inspiring too.

You have such a beautiful soul. So genuine and inspiring.

what a heartfelt story. you have a way of connecting with many by being so honest and open. thank you for showing others your journey and how got to a point where you were ready to share your truth. you are insightful and compassionate in how you handled your sisters initial response. I have watched a number of your other videos before coming to this one. this video just reinforced my opinion of you. respected and appreciating deeply that you share you passion, talent and time with use. the success that will come to you is a result of all of the good you are putting out in this world. it is attracted to that same energy. stay blessed and keep on your path of creating content that touches lives and hearts. cheers.

You will always be Daniel no matter what and that's all that matters bro. You're one of the good friends I have ever had. You are so chill.

DANNY -- Amazingly articulate and self-aware. Keep on running with that. -- Donald in Wales

I cried. U reminded me of my experience coming out in Ireland in the 90's. My experience was positive surprisingly. I had support of my older sisters which was key. I also went to boarding school so also had that issue which impacted my experience and also how others saw me

I wish I can find the courage to do what you have done. Only some very close friends know about me. Even the possibility of being rejected keeps me locked up in my closet and it is getting harder for me to be myself. Thanks for sharing this story.

Hey man! Encouraging video! I know this video came out like two years ago. But it's still encouraging people today!

This is a great coming out story. As I've often heard when you come out as gay, it is also a coming out for parents and family. Some can never come out but others will love and accept you as all parents should. Thanks for this. It is sorry that in this day and age coming out should have to be such a big thing.

I've been watching a lot of these since Connors! This one is one of the best.

I believe this was the most heartfelt story, so positive, so insightful about yourself, your family and understanding the power of time, Congratulations

Amazing. So grounded, so sincere. I have no doubt that this vid has been a refuge for many.

you're really cool. why was i thinking that you look like George Clooney a little.

I'm older than you, but you're someone I can learn a lot from. Your eyes are enough to realize how good person you are. I wish you all the best.

You posted this 4 years prior to me seeing it, I just wanted to say to you. I am proud of you. This was a Great Coming Out story. You handled yourself well, and I know your story would have and will help many in there journey. I am so glad I stumbled across your story. You impress me.

Aww bless you .. you are gorgeous and i wish you all the best xx

Hello Daniel. You know I’ve seen your other videos since I subscribed to you a long time ago, but I’ve never seen your coming out one. I’m so pained right now, and feel so much empathy for my brothers who discover they are gay. I guess I’m crying for all the guys....it’s so painful. It’s such a lonely place to be and you hide behind a mask unable to be free with the inner you is just too painful to bear? Losing so many young people because they find themselves at a dead-end with no safe place to turn to. It just hurts so badly, yet others will continue to think it is a choice? I could tell you were on the verge of crying as you shared about what your second sister said about supporting you. You’re right, that is all we want! I Have three sisters and I am the only son to carry on the family name. Both my parents passed away at a relatively younger age. I’m a little older, so you could say I’ve compromised my life to support my sisters in helping with my nephews and nieces. Two of my sisters were fine, however one seemed to need more of my support and time. As a strong Christian I know things happen for reasons beyond our own control? I look forward to it being made aware of the reason some of us are the way we are? Could it be population control, to protect women from the abuses of men. Better to have our gender lust after one an other than going after innocent women? These are things that have stirred around in my mind just trying to find some meaning. Us men certainly are not equipped to procreate, nor are we built that way? I’m just so glad that the newer generations are making so much change now....it still isn’t enough, but it is better than before when my own uncle died of AIDS and another decided to take his own life. I know I’m not that old, but I’ve become used to my life the way it is? After all we all have questions as to our purpose in life? I’m sorry, I know I could go on, but it’s “preaching to the choir.” It’s nice to see so many brothers sharing this gift, kind of makes us all united in our gender huh? I wish you the best and keep living your truth Daniel. Your videos are helping many live their own lives. Sometimes I feel God has these special plans for us, if only they could be made clear, ah, but ours is not to question the Authority of His Holiness. Be well and stay safe. Much love, Alex from Los Angeles.

No matter what you'll always find someone that like you not because of your sexuality but because of you.

Fuck this guy is so cute. I tried to pay attention to him talking but I was too busy staring

Danny, you are such a sweet guy. I love the way you tell your story :)

This video is amazing, thank you so much for sharing this with us. I wish that this video would never end, this is so emotional, i don't know why, it is so moving and what you say is so wise and catchy ! I wish you the best for what is coming to you. Thanks again for this, love from France !

best video I ever watched really touched my heart your amazing

You are awesome! Just thought you should know!

Indeed awesome, I was touched.Nice shirt!

No, you're awesome! What a moving, heartfelt and truly profound coming out story. Thank you for your courage and resolution. I hope you have found happiness in your life and success in your music. It is easy to see that you are a very sincere and beautiful person inside and out!

You did an excellent job communicating your story. Thank you for sharing.

That was Wow! So personal. You really gave your heart and it really showed. Your honesty and openness was inspiring. I just felt sympathy, compassion and also that you expressed things I never could. You spoke about the same deep dark feelings and yet, you triumphed. Be proud young man. You managed to say what lots of us cannot. You understand your emotions and can express / display them. I wish I could do it as well as you do it. Thank you for sharing your personal journey.

"If He loved me just a little bit," geez guy that's heartbreaking... Love you man

I am so happy for you for coming out it's a wonderful thing and you have a lot bigger family out here when I came out I was older been married and had two kids you're on the right path just keep your head up and go for it have fun

Thank you for sharing this with us. This is one of the best videos I've seen. I felt like you were here in front of me talking directly to me. I was really touched by your story. I can relate to music being an outlet for you. Music is the only thing in my life that keeps me going.

Your video was really genuine and it was great to see how wise you became after all you had to go through. I wish you the best. Thank you for this positive message.

Hey Daniel. That was the sweetest, most tender coming out story I have ever heard. Well Done young man. My story is not so sweet and tender. Gay was forbidden, my father abused me senselessly, until I moved out and away to be gay. Then in 1994 I was diagnosed with AIDS, and had to come out all over again, and that did not go well at all. My parents never came round and my brother never spoke to me again. My father died a year ago, and my mother is getting old, and none of my family speak to me ever. Your video made me sad, and I think, how it "could" have been. But wasn't. I'm gonna be 52 in a few months. I have my own story of coming out "twice" the first was much better than the second time. AIDS in 1994 was very horrible. But I survived. Thank you for your honest, and loving, and tender story. I'm proud of you. You are never alone. Greetings from Montreal.

Thanks for sharing this, you can help many with your story.

You are an incredibly sweet person, and your story touched me deeply

Thank you so much for sharing your story! It's very helpful and inspiring...

***** You are loved. Thank you for sharing your coming out story. This video will give hope, and resinate with other gay men who are experiencing this difficult process!

Wow that's so cool. You're inspiring me to commit to practicing music more

Wow you such an amazing young man. Your so young and innocent, and you touched on things that are not age restrictive. Such as the pain of accepting yourself, because of a predisposition. God loves us just the way we are. love this vid thanks

Danny I watched all of you video and like Terry Reid you did touch my heart too. You have a gift. I hope you will one day be able to figure out what gift is. And heres to the man you may choose to share your life and words with. He is luckiest man in the world. Thanks for lifting me up when I need it. Jim.

You are awesome!

Great video. Showing and opening up to share your story via the Internet can be somewhat scary. But thank you. My only regret was not having the confidence like you did to come to terms being gay in high school. So, very admirable. Can I just ask....I love the background music! Who is it? Is it yours?! The music is what caught me to watch more!

So earnest. Poignant. As real as it gets. What a lovely guy.... Has all the ingredients of a successful human being. Bright presence and brighter future ahead.

Mate, you succeeded in putting together a fabulous video. So heartfelt and powerful. You have a wonderful loving family and should feel so proud. Thank you for sharing 👍🏻😀

Great video; you have a beautifully conversational style. I'm pleased that your family have come around - it's just a shame that for so many people it takes a while for acceptance. Maybe one day, coming out won't be a "process" for anyone. Best for luck for your future!

Thank you. I really needed to hear what you said at the end.

Hello Danny, Its people like you that makes the world better. You seem like an amazing person and would like to be a part of your life. Thanks for sharing :)

Last night I watched Ben Platt's new concert from Radio City Music Hall on Nextflix (He's the Tony Award winner for Dear Evan Hansen and the star of The Politician. He said that being gay is a non-issue! I would suggest all the young people coming out watch this concert! ❤️🏳️‍🌈

Your eyes and eyelashes are so pretty and your smile is so adorable 😊 lol just realized it's almost 4am wow I have no life 😂😂😂

Good one you man, for having the courage and determination.....you put your heart into that. I had a tough time to but things are ok now. thanks for posting :)))

Hang in there bro. BECAUSE YOU ARE AWESOME.

You're the awesome one, Daniel! Thanks for sharing.

You kind of look like Zac Efron 😍 or maybe it's just me.

Beautiful. I would like u haven't edited the video with so many cuts. Any time there was a cut, I lost the rapport, and starting to build a new one, and again and again. It was emotional for me, but I think I would be way more emotionaly involved if it was full video with all the silences and mistakes u cuted. Anyway, thanks so much for sharing. You radiate honesty and compation. Its so soothing watching you :P I think Ive got a crush :)

That was amazing. I have watched many coming out stories, but this was one of the best I have ever seen. You should put a link to your video below. I would love to see it.

Daniel, this is very touching. I wish that I had a friend like you. By the way you are very handsome and your eyebrows are awesome.

Love this video. Touch my heart. I have a similar story. Oct. 24 2014 the day I told everyone I was gay. Felt so much better. You should make more videos :)

Sweetest guy ever. Period.

Hey Danny, Thank you very much for such am amazing story. You hit on some very good point. Keep writing great songs.

Wow - thank you for sharing -you are a wonderful man... parts of your story reminded me so much of the bio book Out to Play by Robbie Rogers... an excellent read of his struggle, and his 1st man kiss at age 25 and return to soccer.... maybe its getting better x

amazing video loved your calm voice and ur story stay strong ur awesome

Thank you so much for sharing this!❤❤

This video has really helped me a lot ✌💕

Hey Daniel, good job with this vlog. I think I’m in love... jk had to get that off my chest. No doubt things have gotten a lot better on the home front? Your honesty and innocence really comes through. I wish you only the best and to continue with your vlogs. Take it easy and be well. Alex from LA.

I could relate to your video so much!!! please make more videos. 😊

Hey I Really Liked How Passionate And Helping You Were, if only i had a fully accepting community like you, my mom calle gays punks and says its wrong and i always cried and asked god to change me, so im in 8th grade and its this guy i like and idk if he has the potential of liking me he sends mixed signals and things,but i really like him any suggestions. Anyways thanks for the help and your really cute......sorry but i think im obsessed lol.............do u have an instagram?

Religion poisons everything. All the needless suffering. Good to see you're doing well now.

Thank You for The video !! Stay strong mate !!

The best motivational video. You're cool as shit and maked my day.

hi there handsome... very inspiring,,, god bless